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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Stephen Broadwell, AICP, Planner
DATE: May 9, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Approving a Revision to the Final Plan for Herget Middle School, located at 1550 Deerpath Road. (West Aurora School District 129 - 25-0532 / SG12/3-25.153-FPN - SB - Ward 5)
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner, West Aurora School District 129, is Requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision for the property located at 1550 Deerpath Road. which includes construction of a football field / track, standing solar panel array, and expanded parking lot.
BACKGROUND:
The Subject Property is the Herget Middle School campus, which is approximately forty-eight (48) acres in total. The campus consists of the existing Herget Middle School, which is located in the northern thirty-six (36) acres, and the open space in the southern portion that consists of the remaining twelve (12) acres. The northern portion is zoned P(C), Parks and Recreation District with a Conditional Use Planned Development. The southern portion is zoned E(C), Estate with a Conditional Use Planned Development, and is part of the Estate Homes of Verona Ridge planned development to the south and west. The Comprehensive Plan designates the Subject Property as Public and Estates, while the adjacent stretch of Deerpath Rd is designated as Minor Collector. There are two existing access points to the Subject Property, both of which are adjacent to the existing school building.
The Petitioner, West Aurora School District, is requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision for the property located at 1550 Deerpath Rd. The details of the request include construction of an expanded athletic facility within the open space to the south of the school’s existing parking lot. The facility includes an athletic field that is to be utilized by students for football and soccer, and is circled with an eight (8) ring running track. The proposal does not include any permanent bleachers or outdoor lighting. The expanded parking lot, which is located between the school’s existing parking lot and the proposed athletic facility, includes sixty (60) striped parking spaces and accompanying drive aisle. The proposal also includes an exit onto Deerpath Rd that is left-turn / right-turn only. The expanded parking lot and new athletic facility are located on the portion of the Subject Property that is zoned E(C). The proposed athletic facility is a permitted use within the Estate Homes of Verona Ridge planned development as a “School Site.” The proposal also integrates the existing multi-use path that provides access to the residential subdivision to the south, and runs through the Fox Valley Park District’s southern property through to the school.
Also included with this proposal is a new solar field array to the north of the school. The proposed solar array is to be utilized for the school’s usage. The proposed solar array is to otherwise comply with the Zoning Ordinance’s standards for Free Standing Solar Energy System Requirements.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has reviewed the Final Plan petition and have sent comments back to the Petitioner on those submittals. The Petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances, with the exception of the items reflected in the conditions listed in the Staff Recommendation below.
The Petitioner has provided a proposal that complies with both the Countryside Vision Plan and the approved Plan Description. The proposed Final Plan incorporates utilization of shared public open space via its connection to the adjacent residential subdivision via a multi-use path, as well as the Fox Valley Park District’s property to the south. The Final Plan also integrates stormwater management in a design that compliments the surrounding environment, in addition to Best Management Practices, as demonstrated with the Subject Property’s southern detention basin.
Finally, the Petitioner has shown a willingness to work with City Staff on incorporating landscaping around the external property lines, where adjacent to residential properties. The intention here is to provide buffering to the same homeowners. The intent is to provide landscaping that complements the existing planting materials, while also implementing planting materials near the proposed athletic facility that is adjacent to residential.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
11.1 (5): To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads,
and municipal services are either available or planned.
13.1 (6): To encourage the development of public transportation, bicycle and sidewalk
systems that would link residential area or place of work, shopping and
recreation.
14.1 (1): To foster future growth in the City that does not contribute to deterioration
in either existing developments of a reduction in the City’s ability to provide
adequate services.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of the A Resolution Approving a Revision to the Final Plan for Herget Middle School, located at 1550 Deerpath Road., with the following conditions:
1) That, prior to final occupancy being issued, that the Petitioner work with Staff to finalize the minimum landscaping requirements for the Subject Property where adjacent to Lot 107, Lot 108, Lot 109, Lot 110, Lot 111, and Lot 112 in The Estate Homes of Verona Ridge - Unit 4, as well as Lot 137, Lot 138, and Lot 139 in The Estate Homes of Verona Ridge - Unit 3.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit “A-1” - Final Plan
Exhibit “A-2” - Building & Signage Elevations
Land Use Petition with Supporting Documents
BZE Appeal Sheet
Property Parcel Maps
cc: Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee:
Chairperson Patty Smith
Vice Chair Shweta Baid
Alderman Carl Franco
Alderman Mike Saville
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Approving a Revision to the Final Plan for Herget Middle School, located at 1550 Deerpath Road.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, by petition dated April 21, 2025, West Aurora School Dist 129 - Herget Middle School filed with the City of Aurora a petition “Requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision for the property located at 1550 Deerpath Road” and related required documents as attached hereto as Exhibits "A"; and
WHEREAS, on May 14, 2025, the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said Final Plan and recommended CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of said petition; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the City of Aurora, Illinois, finds as facts all of the preamble recitals of this Resolution and hereby grants CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of said Final Plan with the following conditions:
1) That, prior to final occupancy being issued, that the Petitioner work with Staff to finalize the minimum landscaping requirements for the Subject Property where adjacent to Lot 107, Lot 108, Lot 109, Lot 110, Lot 111, and Lot 112 in The Estate Homes of Verona Ridge - Unit 4, as well as Lot 137, Lot 138, and Lot 139 in The Estate Homes of Verona Ridge - Unit 3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the City of Aurora hereby adopts the Final Plan and related required documents, as attached hereto as Exhibit "A-1" Final Plan, Exhibit “A-2” Solar Panel Array, along with any easement dedications deemed necessary by the Aurora City Engineer.